Sources: Missing Waukegan police officer found dead

Ruth Fuller and Jeff DannaChicago Tribune

The body of a missing Waukegan police officer was found in a densely wooded area in nearby Antioch this morning after a search by helicopters, fellow officers and a large group of community members, authorities said.

Antioch Police Chief Craig Somerville would not confirm the identification, but sources said the body was of an officer from Waukegan who had been missing since late Wednesday. He was identifeid as Peter Michaels, of Antioch, according to the Lake County coroner's office. The sources said no foul play was suspected.

Michaels, 42, died from a gunshot wound to the head, the Lake County coroner's office determined following an autopsy today. The coroner did not determine a manner of death.

The body was found around 9 a.m. near North Avenue and Trevor Road in the far northern suburb, according to the Lake County sheriff's office. The discovery was made less than a mile from Antioch Upper Grade School and W.C. Petty Elementary School, which prompted Antioch District 34 officials to issue an alert to parents about police presence in the area.

Somerville said the search this morning was joined by about 120 community members and the body was discovered within about 40 minutes, he said. The investigation has been turned over to the Lake County sheriff's office.

The school district’s message stated that police had been on school grounds, but there was no immediate impact to the schools or immediate danger.

School officials had initially noted that recess would be held indoors, but a second notice said the incident had ended and outdoor recess could resume.